New media. Ball State is creative in using educational and professional technologies that have such an impact on the way we live and work. And we're glad to share that with our readers. This issue we explore several avenues of a technology-driven world. They take us from the classroom to business solutions, and from work resources to recreation and relaxation.

The university's Electronic Field Trip program, celebrating ten years of success, has provided slices of knowledge to literally millions of students in grades K-12. Through the "world's largest classroom" participants have been able to travel to many sites, including Cooperstown's Baseball Hall of Fame, the Smithsonian Institution, the Grand Canyon, and NASA's Space Center/Houston - without leaving their school. Read an overview of this one-of-a-kind stellar program, beginning on page 4.

The Software Engineering Research Center at Ball State was recently recognized by the National Science Foundation for a 20-year commitment to research excellence. The center, devoted to software engineering solutions, works with industrial affiliates to test new and existing software for efficiency and effectiveness. Our story, "Tech-worthy," on page 6, provides a glimpse into the research center's work.

Nothing is traditional any longer about looking for a career change. While personal networking is still an essential tool for the job-seeker, the cyber-savvy searcher will have the edge. See "The Job Hun," page 33, to read how Ball State's Career Center can help even more.

There is a growing tendency for employees to spend more time in the work environment. Computer use is commonplace. Those two factors increase the temptation to surf sites for personal use. Are you a cyber-slacker. Find out what a Ball State expert says about the problems and prospective solutions to on-the-job Internet slacking. The story begins on page 35.

In our Faculty Spotlight, "What Middletown Read," pages 12-13, Reed D. Voran Honors Professor Frank Felsenstein describes how his book history course led to the discovery of documents about Muncie's early history. Now, with a plan to digitize the records, Felsenstein and colleagues Bruce Geelhoed and James Connolly will enable worldwide access to this cache of historical information.

Ball State's Human Performance Lab, which began with a single, stationery bicycle in a trailer outside the Field Sports building, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Today, it is renowned worldwide for its scientific research that addresses clinical topics ranging from aging and exercise to effects of space flight. Read about the Human Performance Lab on pages 14-15.

College close-up describes the describes the adapted physical education program on campus, implemented in 1987, the premier program provides an environment for individuals with disabilities to engage in exercise for recreation and rehabilitation. The program, still under the direction of its originator Ron Davis, also allows students to obtain licensure in adapted physical education, a unique add-on for the physical education degree. The story begins on page 18.

There is so much more. Please take time to explore all the pages of the March Alumnus. We believe you will not only be informed but also enthused to learn what your alma mater and those connected with it are accomplishing.

As our cover suggests, we certainly do live in a connected world. And Ball State is at the center of the cyber-universe.

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Pen Point is written by Charlotte Shepperd, Ball State Alumnus Editor